Ortolan Bunting (2/2)
Emberiza hortulana Linnaeus, 1758 (269, 275)
Photo © Rob Stonehouse
Species of interest
1950-57 RECORDS
270). 1950 Shetland Scousburgh, Mainland, 2nd May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (3): 3).
History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (III). p. 3, says: 'L. S. V. and U. M. Venables have supplied the following notes of spring migrants in the Scousborough [sic] district of south Mainland, Shetland...Ortolan Bunting. One, May 2nd.'
271). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, one/two, males, 8th to 12th May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 10).
History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 10, says: 'One, or perhaps two males, were in the sprouting corn from 8-12th May.'
272). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, female, 12th May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 10).
History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 10, says: '...there was also a female on the 12th [May].'
273). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, 18th May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 10).
History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 10, says: '...Another was seen on the 18th [May].'
274). 1950 Isle of May No locality, 20th to 25th May, four, 22nd May.
(A. G. S. Bryson, Scottish Naturalist 63: 59).
History A. G. S. Bryson (1951) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIII. p. 59, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report, 1950', says: 'Several between 20th and 25th May. Four on the 22nd.'
278). 1950 Fair Isle Haa, immature, 29th August.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 10).
History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 10, says: '...There was a young bird on corn-stooks at the Haa on 29th August.'
279). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, 12th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 10).
History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 10, says: '...and one was seen on 12th September.'
280). 1950 Devon Lundy, 5th October.
(D. Lea, Lundy Field Society Report 1950: 6; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 11).
History D. Lea (1950) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 6, says: 'One on 5th October, probably a first-winter bird. The third record for the Island.'
M. Brooks-King (1950) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIII. p. 11, says: Lundy, Oct. 5, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1950).'
281). 1950 Sussex The Crumbles, 5th October.
(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1950: 7).
History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1950) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 7, say: 'One on the Crumbles on October 5th, the wind having changed from SW to SE the previous evening, and many other migrant passerines being about. The pinkish, bunting bill and yellow "spectacles" were clearly seen, but not the under-parts (D.D.H.).'
282). 1950 Nottinghamshire Nottingham Sewage Farm, two, 23rd October.
(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 39).
History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 39, says: '1950. Two birds, October 23rd. With Reed Buntings and Little Bunting. N.S.F. One bird had pale greenish-grey head extending down the nape. A crescent shaped area of yellow around cheeks and ear coverts extending to form an eye-stripe above eye. Chin and throat were yellowish, separated from the yellow of the "spectacle" by a moustachial stripe of greenish-grey. Breast and underparts a warm buff with a few streaks on upper breast. Upperparts a dark brown streaked darker. The other bird more greenish. The spectacle was represented by a yellowish mark below the eye. Larger area of yellow on the throat and chin. Underparts a much warmer pinkish buff. More streaks on upper breast (R.J.R.).'
284). 1951 Isle of May No locality, 2nd to 3rd May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (2): 1).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (II). p. 1, says: 'The second bulletin of the 1951 season is naturally concerned with the spring migration, which was practically continuous throughout the month of May...Gerald Sandeman, John Lees and John Bain were the watchers on the [Isle of] May, and they had a greater share of rarities than Fair Isle at this time. There was an Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana, on 2-3rd an Icterine Warbler Hypolais icterina, was trapped and ringed…'
285). 1951 Fair Isle Springfield, 27th August, three, 28th August to 6th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 12).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). p. 12, says: 'One on Aug. 27th was succeeded by three next day. These remained in the Springfield corn until Sept. 6th...'
288). 1951 Fair Isle Near Observatory, 1st to 3rd September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 12).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). p. 12, says: '...and from Sept. 1-3rd, an additional bird haunted the moorland near the Bird Observatory.'
289). 1951 Norfolk Blakeney Point, immature, 7th September.
(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 25).
History Anon. (1951) in the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 25, says: 'An immature at the Hood, Blakeney Point September 7th (R.A.R.).'
290). 1951 Devon Lundy, six at least, between 11th September and 10th October.
(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1951: 6; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 10).
History P. E. Davis (1951) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 6, says: 'Four (an adult and three juveniles) on September 11th, two juveniles on 12th, three or four birds on the 14th, a juvenile 21st, an adult and juvenile 22nd, two adults 28th, and an adult female October 9th and 10th. The total number of individuals present is not certain.'
M. Brooks-King (1951) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIV. p. 10, says: Lundy, Sept. 11 to Oct. 10, up to three recorded on a number of occasions (Lundy Field Society Report 1951).'
296). 1951 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, two, immatures, 11th September.
(Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1951: 7).
History Field Studies Council (1951) in the Skokholm Bird Observatory Report, p. 7, say: 'Two immature on 11th September. Fifth record for the island.'
298). 1951 Norfolk Blakeney Point, immature, 21st September.
(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 25).
History Anon. (1951) in the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 25, says: 'Also one seen by several observers in the plantation on the point September 21st.'
299). 1951 Isle of May No locality, 14th October.
(A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 32).
History A. G. S. Bryson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 32, under 'Report of Isle of May Bird Observatory, 1951-52', says: '14th October 1951.'
300). 1952 Kent Dungeness, spring.
(D. W. Taylor, Kent Bird Report 1972: 83).
History D. W. Taylor (1972) in the Kent Bird Report, p. 83, says: 'This is the first record since 1968 and the first spring occurrence since 1952.'
301). 1952 Devon Modbury, male, 30th April.
(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 55).
History M. Brooks-King (1952) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 55, says: 'Modbury, April 30, one male seen at a distance of ten feet, greyish green head, whitish yellow chin, pink breast, back and wings brown streaked black (R.J.H.). A sketch supplied by the observer shows the correct distribution of the colouring.'
302). 1952 Isle of May No locality, 2nd May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (7): 21; A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 32).
History K. Williamson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VII). p. 21, says: 'One was recorded on May 2nd.'
A. G. S. Bryson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 32, under 'Report of Isle of May Bird Observatory, 1951-52', says: '2nd May 1952.'
303). 1952 Fair Isle Taft/Midway/Shirva area, 16 at least: two, 4th May, fifteen, 5th to 9th May, five, 11th to 12th May, one, 13th to 16th May, two males, 21st May, one male, 26th May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (7): 13-14; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 65: 60-61; Williamson, 1965).
History K. Williamson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VII). pp. 13-14, says: 'One of the prominent species in the early May drift. Two males on 4th were followed by several next day, and there were at least 15 on 6th. They remained at this strength till May 9th, dropping to five on 11th-12th, and to one only on the next three days. There were two males on 21st and one on 26th. Only a single female was seen on 8th-9th, and occasionally odd males delighted us with snatches of song. They were very conservative in their choice of fields and seldom strayed from the Taft-Midway-Shirva region, where they fed in company on the newly-sown oat and turnip rigg.'
P. E. Davis (Williamson 1965) under 'A List of the Birds of Fair Isle', adds: '...rarely more than two present but up to sixteen (9th May 1952) recorded.'
319). 1952 Isle of May No locality, 1st June.
(A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 32).
History A. G. S. Bryson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 32, under 'Report of Isle of May Bird Observatory, 1951-52', says: '1st June 1952.'
320). 1952 Devon Lundy, 28th August.
(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1952: 16; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 55).
History P. E. Davis (1952) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 16, says: 'One August 28th, the only record.'
M. Brooks-King (1952) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXV. p. 55, says: 'Lundy, Aug. 28, one (Lundy Field Society Report 1952).'
321). 1952 Fair Isle Buness, 1st September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (9): 31).
History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IX). p. 31, says: 'One Ortolan Bunting E. hortulana was keeping company with a Lapland Bunting on Buness on September 1st.'
322). 1952 Isle of May No locality, 24th October.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report Bulletin 1 (10): 40; A. G. S. Bryson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1952: 32).
History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report Bulletin, Vol. I (X). p. 40, says: 'There was an Ortolan on October 24th (the latest date for the isle).'
A. G. S. Bryson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 32, under 'Report of Isle of May Bird Observatory, 1951-52', says: '24th October 1952, the latest record for the isle.'
323). 1952 Lancashire & North Merseyside Lytham Moss, 28th October.
(C. Oakes, Lancashire Ornithological Report 1950-56: 66; Spencer, 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).
History C. Oakes (1956) in the Lancashire Ornithological Report, p. 66, says: '1952. 28 Oct. One watched from 12 yards' distance at Marton Moss had white outer tail feathers and pinkish underparts. Head and breast greenish. The short bill was strikingly pink. The call-note "tsit-tsit" frequently heard (N.H.). Second Lancs. occurrence of the species.' Spencer (1973) says: 'Marton Moss, 28.10.1952.'
White, McCarthy & Jones (2008) say: 'None was reported in our present recording area until 1952, when one was seen by Nelson Harwood on Lytham Moss on 28th October.'
324). 1953 Fair Isle No locality, 15th May.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (11): 25).
History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (XI). p. 25, says: 'May. There were four Corncrakes on 14th and next day a small movement occurred - involving Ortolan.'
325). 1953 Devon Lundy, three, 6th to 9th September.
(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1953; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1953: 51).
History P. E. Davis (1953) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 15, says: 'Three first-winter birds September 6th to 9th.'
M. Brooks-King (1953) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 51, says: 'Lundy, Sept. 6 to 9, three (Lundy Field Society Report 1953).'
328). 1953 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 18th to 19th September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1953: 47).
History M. J. Seago (1953) in the Norfolk Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 47, says: 'One (probably an adult female), at Cley, September 18th-19th (P.R.C., R. S. R. Fitter, P.A.D.H., P.D.K., R.A.R.).'
329). 1953 Fair Isle No locality, 22nd September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 118).
History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 118, says: 'John Wightman and M. F. M. Meiklejohn identified an Ortolan Emberiza hortulana on 22nd [Sept.].'
330). 1954 Shetland Foula, 12th May.
(C. K. Mylne, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 254; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 53).
History C. K. Mylne (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 254, under 'Bird Migration at Foula 1954', says: 'One on May 12th.'
E. E. Jackson (1966) in Scottish Birds, Vol. IV. p. 53, under 'The Birds of Foula', says: 'One with House Sparrows on 12th May 1954.'
331). 1954 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, female, 17th May.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1954: 45).
History M. J. Seago (1954) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 45, says: 'A female at Cley, 17th May (H.H.). A detailed description has been submitted.'
332). 1954 Northumberland Farne Islands, 3rd September.
(P. Hawkey, Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria 55: 188).
History P. Hawkey (1991) in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria, Vol. LV. p. 188, under 'The Birds of the Farne Islands', lists one of the single birds seen on eighteen occasions: 3rd September 1954.'
333). 1954 Kent Dungeness, age and sex uncertain, 3rd October.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1954: 34).
History E. H. Gillham (1954) in the Kent Bird Report, p. 34, says: 'An adult female or immature male at Dungeness on Oct. 3 (R.A.R., P.C., E.A.R.E., et al.). Full details are to be found in D.B.O. records.'
334). 1954 Yorkshire Spurn, 3rd October.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 92).
History R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXX. p. 92, says: 'One at Spurn on October 3rd showed a pale yellow orbital ring and pink-horn bill, and was examined and described in detail as seen at c. 20 yards in good light through binoculars and telescope.'
335). 1954 Devon Lundy, immature female, 7th October.
(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1954: 20; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1954: 53).
History B. Whitaker (1954) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 20, says: 'One October 7th. An immature female.'
336). 1955 Northumberland Holy Island, adult male, 8th April.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 210).
History G. W. Temperley (1955) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 210, says: 'On April 8th on Holy Island a single adult cock was seen under conditions which enabled all its distinguishing characters to be noted. (D.H.W.).'
337). 1955 Norfolk Salthouse Heath, killed by traffic, 6th May, now at Castle Museum, Norwich.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 58).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 58, says: 'One killed by traffic, Salthouse Heath, 6th May (E.McE., E.S.), is now in the collection at Norwich Castle Museum.'
338). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, three, 16th August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 58).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 58, says: '13 different birds at Blakeney Point, as follows: 3, 16th August.'
341). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 27th to 30th August, two, 29th August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 58).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 58, says: '13 different birds at Blakeney Point, as follows: one 27th to 30th August (2 on 29th).'
343). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 31st August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 58).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 58, says: '13 different birds at Blakeney Point, as follows: one 31st August.'
344). 1955 Norfolk Wolferton, 31st August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 58; I. C. T. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1955: 21).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 58, says: 'Wash: one at Wolferton, 31st August (I.C.T.N.).'
345). 1955 Kent Locality in the East, first-winter male, 6th September.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1955: 30-31).
History E. H. Gillham (1955) in the Kent Bird Report, pp. 30-31, says: 'A first winter male was watched, under excellent conditions, for three minutes at ten yards range in E. Kent on Sept. 6 (J.N.H.).
Among the points noted were: noticeably greenish head with yellowish throat and dark moustachial stripe; back rather like that of Tree Pipit; rump olive - no trace of reddish colour; underparts with fine regular markings; belly: clear yellowish buff; bill: a clear pink right to tip-no black on it; call: a clear "twip" or "to wip".
Birds were also seen on the Yorkshire, Norfolk and Essex coasts in the same autumn (cf. County Reports).'
346). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, five, 7th September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 58).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 58, says: '13 different birds at Blakeney Point, as follows: five, 7th September (Cley Obs. et al.).'
351). 1955 Yorkshire Spurn, trapped, 9th September.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 81: 77; Mather, 1986).
History R. Chislett (1956) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXI. p. 77, says: 'A good description was taken of an Ortolan caught at Spurn on September 9th, from which the bird may have been a first-winter male.'
352). 1955 Devon Lundy, 10th September.
(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1955: 18; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 56).
History B. Whitaker (1955) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 18, says: 'One September 10th.'
353). 1955 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, first-winter, 19th September.
(Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1955: 14).
History Field Studies Council (1955) in the Skokholm Bird Observatory Report, p. 14, say: 'A first-winter bird September 19th.'
354). 1955 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 21st September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1955: 58).
History M. J. Seago (1955) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 58, says: '13 different birds at Blakeney Point, as follows: one, 21st September (Cley Obs. et al.).'
355). 1955 Devon Lundy, 24th to 28th September, four, 25th September.
(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1955: 18; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1955: 56).
History B. Whitaker (1955) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 18, says: 'Recorded on September 24th, 25th and 27th, 28th, with a maximum of four on September 25th.'
359). 1955 Greater London/Surrey Epsom Sewage-farm, immature, 1st October.
(P. Bond, Surrey Bird Report 1955: 28; F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 1955: 37; Wheatley, 2007).
History P. Bond (1955) in the Surrey Bird Report, p. 2, says: 'On Oct. 1st at Epsom S.F. an immature bird was seen in stubble and also sitting on a low tree. The following notes were made while watching the bird: "Crown and nape brown, cheeks and hind neck slightly paler than crown. Chin and throat pale yellowish green, as was a marking from the base of the bill down to below the ear coverts; it extended to near base of bill, forming a pale moustachial stripe. Under parts reddish brown, paling on to breast. Under parts streaked brown. Upper parts including tail, brown. Mantle faintly streaked. Outer tail feathers white; small ring round eye, yellowish, bill and legs pink. Bird was, if anything, slightly longer than Chaffinches, its companions" (K.D.E.).'
360). 1955 Northumberland Holy Island, adult male, 9th October.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 210).
History G. W. Temperley (1955) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 210, says: 'On October 9th, also on Holy Island, in a flock of c. 80 Bramblings, an adult cock was clearly identified as it perched on a wire at 10 yds. distance. (B.L.).'
361). 1956 Fair Isle No locality, spring.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 22).
History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 22, says: 'Ortolan Bunting was an interesting spring "sub-rarity".'
362). 1956 Norfolk Blakeney Point, Cley-next-the-Sea and Salthouse, up to eight daily, 30th August to 4th September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 53).
History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 53, says: 'Blakeney Point, Cley and Salthouse: Autumn migrants occurred in three "waves": Up to 8 daily from 30th August to 4th September.'
370). 1956 Greater London Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, female, 2nd September.
(E. Simms, British Birds 50: 118-119; F. H. Jones, London Bird Report 21: 40; Self, 2014).
History E. Simms (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. pp. 118-119, says: 'On the morning of 2nd September 1956, I was walking along the northern bank of the River Brent where it flows into the Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, noting the many migrants which had arrived in the comparative calm after a period of strong N.E. winds; these included Whitethroats (Sylvia communis), Willow Warblers (Phylloscopus trochilus) and Reed Warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), and a strong overhead passage of Hirundines.
At 12.05 I flushed a female Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) from the dense growth of sedge along the river bank. It rose with a loud call, and then concealed itself in some willows at a height of 3-4 feet above the ground. It returned later to the sedges where I had it under Observation at a range of 15 feet for some ten minutes. It called twice with a clear incisive z-tick - really a monosyllabic call but with a slurred sibilant z; the call seemed loud and penetrating for a bird of that size.
The plumage description of the bird is as follows: Head, dirty greenish-brown with dark streaks on top; mantle, scapulars and back, slightly rufous with conspicuous black streaks; primaries and secondaries dark brown and lined on the edges with pale buff, with buffish edgings to the median and greater wing-coverts; underparts, buffish-yellow, but slightly paler on throat, and breast band of darker brown blotches and streaks. There was a pale buffish crescent sweeping from near the base of the bill and round the ear coverts to the nape of the neck, becoming thence a faint, dark Iine to the eye, which was surrounded by a pale yellow orbital ring. There was also a black malar stripe underlying the crescent. The tail feathers were brownish-black with the outside pair banded white across the webs. The bill, feet and legs were a clear reddish-brown. This would seem to be the first Ortolan Bunting in Middlesex for 88 years, and there appear to be only six previous records for the county (involving eight birds), the last of them and one other having also been at the Brent Reservoir, in 1867 and 1868.'
[Inland records of Ortolan Buntings have been few in the present Century and the only comparable record in recent years seems to have been the one in Hertfordshire in 1953 (antea, Vol. XLVII. pp. 446-447).
It should be added that the bird seen by Mr. Simms occurred at a time when there was a most unusual passage, particularly in coastal areas, of a number of species, common and less common, including a sprinkling of Ortolan Buntings which were recorded on the East and South Coasts and in the Irish Sea. - Eds.]
371). 1956 Kent Dungeness, three, two trapped, 2nd September.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 39).
History E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, p. 39, says: 'Two out of three trapped and ringed at Dungeness on Sep. 2 (D.B.O.). Full details will be found in the Observatory's records.'
374). 1956 Northumberland Inner Farne, Farne Islands, first-year, 3rd September.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 65-66; G. Hickling, Ornithological Report on the Farne Islands for 1956: 15).
History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. pp. 65-66, says: 'On September 3rd on the Inner Farne, N., one, a bird of the year. It was seen at close range as it fed on grain from gull-pellets that lay scattered on the short turf. (E.L.A.).'
G. Hickling (1956) in the Ornithological Report on the Farne Islands for 1956, p. 15, says: 'An immature bird was on Inner Farne on September 3rd. It was identified by E. L. Arnold, who watched it feeding on seeds, and grain from gull pellets. This is the first time this species has been recorded from the Farnes.'
375). 1956 Fair Isle No locality, 4th September, five, 5th to 6th September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1955-56: 24; Pennington et al., 2004).
History K. Williamson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, pp. 23-24, says: This migration became and "avalanche" when an occluded front crossed the Skagerrak on the morning of September 4th, the ENE wind suddenly veered to SE as the rainbelt passed across the isle...All these species were just as common next day...Ortolan Buntings increased.'
Pennington et al. (2004) add that there were up to five on Fair Isle on 5th-6th September 1956.'
380). 1956 Isle of May No locality, male, 4th September.
(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 7: 20; W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 69: 137).
History W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VII. p. 20, under Isle of May Report, 1956, says: 'By the morning of the 4th [September] the island was alive with birds...and one Ortolan Bunting.'
W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIX. p. 137, under 'Isle of May Report for 1956', says: 'One male, 4th September.'
381). 1956 Northumberland Holy Island, four, between 4th and 7th September.
(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 66; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83; Kerr, 2001).
History G. W. Temperley (1956) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 66, says: 'From September 4th to 7th on Holy Island, N., at least four, and probably more present. (F.G.G. et al.). This is the largest number ever seen on the coast.'
385). 1956 Devon Lundy, two: one/two, 6th, 7th, 11th to 14th September.
(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1956: 18; S. C. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 56).
History B. Whitaker (1956) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 18, says: 'One or two recorded September 6th, 7th and 11th to 14th.'
387). 1956 Isle of May No locality, female, 6th September.
(W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 69: 137).
History W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIX. p. 137, under 'Isle of May Report for 1956', says: 'One female, 6th September.'
388). 1956 Isle of May No locality, 7th to 8th September.
(W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 69: 137).
History W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIX. p. 137, under 'Isle of May Report for 1956', says: 'One, 7th to 8th September.'
389). 1956 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, trapped, 8th September.
(W. M. Condry et al., Bardsey Observatory Report 1956: 21; Roberts, 1985).
History W. M. Condry et al. (1956) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, p. 21, says: 'Singles taken at the light on 8th and 15th September. Pinkish bill, pale eye ring, double wing bars and white outer tail feathers were all helpful recognition points in the hand.'
390). 1956 Norfolk Blakeney Point, Cley-next-the-Sea and Salthouse, up to five daily, 8th to 14th September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 53).
History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 53, says: 'Blakeney Point, Cley and Salthouse: Autumn migrants occurred in three "waves": Up to 5 daily from 8th to 14th September.'
395). 1956 Dorset Portland Bill, five, 9th September, up to three until 24th September.
(A. J. Bull et al., Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 78: 47; Green, 2004).
History A. J. Bull (1956) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 47, says: 'Portland Bill: at least five arrived, Sept. 9th and up to three frequented the stubbles for about 14 days: - Sept. 10th (2), 15th (one), 22nd (3), 24th (one) (P.B.O.). These are the first definite Dorset records in recent times. NB. The square bracketed record in the 1955 report should be disregarded.'
400). 1956 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, two, immatures, 9th September, four, 11th September, three, 12th September.
(Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1956: 15).
History Field Studies Council (1956) in the Skokholm Bird Observatory Report, p. 15, say: 'Two immatures Sept. 9th, four 11th, three 12th.'
404). 1956 Cornwall Porthmeor, Mawgan Porth, immature, 10th September.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 9).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 9, say: 'September 10th. At Porthmeor (near Park Head), Mawgan Porth, one in immature plumage, but with spectacles and pinkish legs and bill, spotted underparts, brown back streaked with black. (F.R.S.).'
405). 1956 Isle of Wight St Catherine's Light, juvenile, caught, 10th September.
(J. Stafford, Isle of Wight Bird Report 1956: 36; E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1956: 352-353; Cohen & Taverner, 1972).
History J. Stafford (1956) in the Isle of Wight Bird Report, p. 36, says: 'A juvenile was caught at St Catherine's Lighthouse early on Sept. 10th (B.A.E.M., R.J.G.R., D.R.W.). Full details have been supplied. This constitutes the first record for the Island, as the specimen reported from Freshwater in 1867 cannot be considered acceptable.'
E. Cohen (1956) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, pp. 352-353, says: 'One caught at St. Catherine's Light 0345 hours September 10th. "Dingy brown and streaked. The most prominent features of the plumage were broad buff stripes on an otherwise brown streaked throat; pale eye-ring; large white patcheson outer tail feathers, rich buff underparts; pink bill and legs. General colour of back, head, etc., was buff-brown streaked black". Obviously a juvenile (B.A.E.M., R.R., D.R.W.).'
406). 1956 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, trapped, 15th September.
(W. M. Condry et al., Bardsey Observatory Report 1956: 21; Jones & Dare, 1976; Roberts, 1985).
History W. M. Condry et al. (1956) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, p. 21, says: 'Singles taken at the light on 8th and 15th September. Pinkish bill, pale eye ring, double wing bars and white outer tail feathers were all helpful recognition points in the hand.'
407). 1956 Isles of Scilly Bryher, immature, 15th September.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 28).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 28, say: 'September 15th. Bryher. One immature on stubble.'
408). 1956 Hampshire Damerham, two, 17th September.
(E. Cohen, Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1956: 353; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
History E. Cohen (1956) in the Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, pp. 352-353, says: 'Damerham, September 17th, one, and probably a second (J.S.A.). This bird proved rather wild, but fair details were obtained and the observer had had several opportunities of watching this species at this time when a number were present at Portland.'
410). 1956 Norfolk Morston and Stiffkey area, four, 21st September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 53).
History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 53, says: 'Four, Morston-Stiffkey, 21st September (H.H.).'
414). 1956 Norfolk Blakeney Point, Cley-next-the-Sea and Salthouse, two, between 22nd and 24th September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 53).
History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 53, says: 'Blakeney Point, Cley and Salthouse: Autumn migrants occurred in three "waves": Two between 22nd and 24th September.'
416). 1956 Isle of May No locality, two, 23rd September.
(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 7: 21; W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 69: 135, 137).
History W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VII. p. 21, under Isle of May Report, 1956, says: 'Following this surfeit, there was something of a lull for the next fortnight until, on the 23rd...some Ortolan Bunting.'
W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIX. p. 137, under 'Isle of May Report for 1956', says: 'Two, 23rd September.'
418). 1956 Isles of Scilly Bryher, immature, 23rd September.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 28).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 28, say: 'September 23rd. One immature with Lapland Buntings on the moor was an unusual site.'
Comment Presumed Bryher as previous record was from there.
419). 1956 Isles of Scilly Bryher, 100, 25th September.
(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 28).
History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 28, say: 'September 25th. Very numerous, many passing over with the Meadow Pipits in the evening; several small groups of two, three, four, etc., seen beside the pond and along the shore-line and many more heard flying over making their characteristic note, there were probably more than 100 birds involved. All had gone by the following day and none were seen subsequently. All birds were either females or immatures and often just after arrival they would allow very close approach; streaked breast, white eye ring and crescent-shaped pale stripe below the lores were all seen, also pinkish bills. A.V.S.'
519). 1956 Norfolk Blakeney Point, Cley-next-the-Sea and Salthouse, 4th October.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1956: 53).
History M. J. Seago (1956) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 53, says: 'Blakeney Point, Cley and Salthouse: Autumn migrants occurred in three "waves": One 4th October (Cley Obs.).'
520). 1957 Norfolk Salthouse Heath, male, 22nd April.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 46).
History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 46, says: 'A male, Salthouse Heath, 22nd April (P.R.G.B.).'
521). 1957 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, immature, 27th August.
(Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1957: 17).
History Field Studies Council (1955) in the Skokholm Bird Observatory Report, p. 17, say: 'An immature bird near the Winch trap August 27th, which was seen again later in the same day near the Observatory.'
522). 1957 Norfolk Morston, 28th August, two, 29th August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 46).
History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 46, says: 'One at Morston, 28th August. (H.H.)., two there on 29th (P.R.C.).'
524). 1957 Norfolk Burnham Overy, two, 30th August.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 46).
History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 46, says: 'Two at Burnham Overy on 30th August (R.P.B.-O.).'
526). 1957 Devon Lundy, two, 2nd September.
(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1957; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1957: 53).
History B. Whitaker (1957) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 22, says: 'Two September 2nd.'
528). 1957 Norfolk Blakeney, 7th September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 46).
History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 46, says: 'Singly at Blakeney, 7th September. (Cley Obs.).'
529). 1957 Dorset Portland Bill, six, between 20th September and 3rd October.
(A. J. Bull et al., Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 79: 43).
History A. J. Bull (1957) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXIX. p. 42, says: 'Portland Bill. Up to six in period Sept. 20th - Oct. 3rd as follows: Sept. 20th (3), 21st (4), 22nd (2), 26th (6), 28th (one), Oct. 3rd (one) (P.B.O.).'
535). 1957 Isle of May No locality, 20th September.
(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 8: 43).
History W. J. Eggeling (1958) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VIII. p. 43, under 'Isle of May Report, 1957', says: 'Throughout the 20th [September] the wind was easterly and the sky overcast with drizzle. Not long after the wind had changed, a big movement began...and an Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) beside the Low Trap.'
536). 1957 Yorkshire Spurn, two, 21st September, one, 23rd September.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 70).
History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 70, says: 'A. R. Summerfield recorded two at Spurn on September 21st, and one on the 23rd.'
538). 1957 Kent Dungeness, trapped, 25th September.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1957: 39).
History E. H. Gillham (1957) in the Kent Bird Report, p. 39, says: 'One trapped at Dungeness on Sept. 25 (D.B.O.), and one seen and heard there on Oct. 30 (H.E.A.), have been described in the observatory's log.'
539). 1957 Norfolk Blakeney, 26th September.
(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1957: 46).
History M. J. Seago (1957) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 46, says: 'Singly at Blakeney, 26th September. (H.H.).'
540). 1957 Essex The Naze, immature, 6th October.
(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1957: 42; Cox, 1984).
History G. A. Pyman (1957) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 42, says: 'Naze: a first-winter bird, October 6th (D.I.M.W.). Satisfactory details received.'
Accepted locally (Cox 1984).
541). 1957 Kent Dungeness, 30th October.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1957: 39).
History E. H. Gillham (1957) in the Kent Bird Report, p. 39, says: 'One trapped at Dungeness on Sept. 25 (D.B.O.), and one seen and heard there on Oct. 30 (H.E.A.), have been described in the observatory's log.'
542). 1957 Kent Leybourne, three: male and two females, 1st December.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1957: 39).
History E. H. Gillham (1957) in the Kent Bird Report, p. 39, says: 'On Dec. 1, at Leybourne, a male and two females observed for fifteen minutes in reeds at 5-20 yards under good conditions (B.A.F.). Head and upper parts: the distinctive feature of the generally brownish male was the dark olive grey crown and nape and yellow buff chin and throat. Rest of upper parts similar to a House Sparrow. Tail: darker than rest of upper parts. Under parts: band across upper breast similar to head; the remainder unmarked light pinkish brown. Legs and bill: reddish. Females, generally paler and without the head pattern; streaked breast; and with some grey below. Size: all three birds were 6"-61" long with finch-like seed-cracking bills.'
NOT PROVEN
0). c. 1822 Northumberland Cherryburn, pair, seen, undated.
(Bewick, 1826; Seebohm, 1883-85).
[KAN].
History Bewick (1826, 6th ed.) says: '...that about the same time a pair were seen in the garden at Cherry-burn, on the banks of the Tyne.'
Admitted nationally (Seebohm 1884 (2): 153).
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.
0). 1832 Caithness Wick, killed, undated.
(Wilson, 1846; Gray, 1871; Yarrell, 1871-85; Seebohm, 1883-85; Manson, 2002).
[Harvie-Brown & Buckley, 1887; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007].
History Wilson (1842) says: '...After transacting our fishery and other business we accompanied Mr. Eric Sinclair, Surgeon, to examine his beautiful and extensive collection of birds, obtained by him exclusively in the county of Caithness. The local museums are extremely interesting, and of great value as illustrating the geographical distribution of species...As examples of the rares species, we may select the following...Ortolan Bunting.'
Gray (1871: 132) says: 'The first specimen must have been killed many years ago; it was obtained in the county of Caithness, and is mentioned by Mr. Wilson in his Voyage Round Scotland in 1842, but was previously recorded in the Statistical Account of the Parish of Wick, published about ten years earlier.'
Admitted nationally by Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 59, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's History of British Birds and (Seebohm 1884 (2): 153).
Harvie-Brown & Buckley (1887: 136) placing the record in square brackets, say: 'The only specimen known to have occurred in the county is the one in Dr. Sinclair's List, and is noted as seen by Dr. Wilson in 1842.'
Further, in a footnote, they add: 'We see nothing against the possibility of an occasional occurrence of this species even so far north, if we view these matters in the light of modern experiences; but we must adhere to the rule which we have laid down in our Introduction, regarding unsupported evidence afforded by Dr. Sinclair's List. Had Dr. Sinclair kept a catalogue, or even labelled his specimens, this necessary doubt would have been dispelled. It is only just to remark that Dr. Wilson included this species as having been seen by him in the collection in 1842 (op. cit., p. 179).'
W. E. Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 71, did not list this record in a list of previous occurrences. It was not accepted nationally (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
0). 1838 Norfolk Earlham, killed, summer.
(J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher, Zoologist 1846: 1311; Morris, 1851-57; Yarrell, 1871-85; Watson, 2010).
[Stevenson, 1866; Dye, Fiszer & Allard, 2009].
History J. H. Gurney & W. R. Fisher (1846) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. IV. p. 1311, say: 'We have seen a specimen of this bird, which was said to have been killed near Norwich.'
Morris (1852 (3): 48-49) says: 'In the 'Account of the Birds found in Norfolk', by John Henry Gurney and William Richard Fisher, Esqrs., one is mentioned as having been seen by them, which was said to have been killed near Norwich.'
Stevenson (1866 (1): 198-199) under 'Cirl Bunting' says: 'I have had good reason to doubt the genuineness, as a local specimen, of the only Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana), recorded as killed in this county.
This example, in the possession of Mr. J. H. Gurney, is the one thus referred to, in very guarded terms, by Messrs. Gurney and Fisher: - "We have seen a specimen of this bird, which was said to have been killed near Norwich".
It is also, I have no doubt, the one thus noticed by the late Mr. Lombe, in his MS. notes of birds not in his collection; "Ortolan Bunting, shot at Earlham in the summer of 1838", as I learn from Mr. Gurney, that the bird in question was said to have been killed near Dairymple's asylum, just on the borders of Heigham and Earlham.'
Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen obtained at Earlham, Norfolk, during 1838, that was bought on 8th July 1890 from the collection of J. H. Gurney of Keswick Hall, Norwich.
Comment Doubted locally, probably imported. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1849 Sussex Near Shoreham-by-Sea, immature male, killed, undated.
(Knox, 1849; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[KAN].
History Knox (1849: 206, 1st ed.) says: 'The second, an immature male, was killed together with some Yellowhammers near Shoreham, and is in my own collection.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Not acceptable.
0). 1852 Sussex Near Brighton, obtained, May, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3716).
(Watson, 2010).
[KAN].
History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen and quoting from his Notebooks adds that it was ex H. Collin's collection of Aldsworth House, Hants.
Comment No supporting details and not published in the literature of the day. Possibly from Bristow or Swaysland, taxidermists who have been discredited. Not acceptable.
0). 1858 Nottinghamshire Rock Hill, Mansfield, caught, February.
(Whitaker, 1906; Whitaker, 1907).
[KAN].
History J. Whitaker (1906 (1): 176) in the Victoria County History of Nottinghamshire, under 'Addenda' says: 'One caught on Rock Hill near Mansfield in a clap net, Feb. 1858, and now in the collection of Mr. Daws of Mansfield.'
Whitaker (1907) adds: 'One of these buntings was caught on the Rock Hill, Mansfield, in February, 1858, in a clap net with some other small birds, by William Chamberlain; he took it to the late J. Daws, of Mansfield, who kept it alive for a short time. When it died he preserved it, and it is now in his son's collection who remembers seeing it when brought to his father.'
Comment Strange date and inland as well! Probable escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1860-65 Berkshire Near Cookham, three, shot, undated.
(Clark Kennedy, 1868, Yarrell, 1871-85; Swash, 1996).
[KAN].
History Clark Kennedy (1868: 177) says: 'Mr. Sharpe informed me a few years since (i.e. prior to 1868) three birds of this species were shot near Cookham by a man named Mott. These specimens were well identified, but they were unfortunately not preserved.'
Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 58-59, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...three are said by Capt. Kenendy on Mr. Sharpe's authority to have been shot at Cookham.' They have been accepted locally (Swash 1996).
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Probable escapes from markets. Not acceptable.
0). 1863 Cleveland/Yorkshire Guisborough Moors, seen, 16th August.
(J. C. Atkinson, Zoologist 1863: 8768; Yarrell, 1871-85).
[KAN].
History J. C. Atkinson of Danby-in-Cleveland (1863) in The Zoologist, 1st series, Vol. XXI. p. 8768, date 18th August 1863, says: 'Two days since I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of this rare bunting. I was walking with two friends on a hill-side below the Guisborough moors (a short distance only from the rifle range), when the note of a bird from the direction of some largish patches of whin fell on my ear with an unfamiliar sound. In a minute or so I succeeded in detecting the utterer sitting on the upper part of a projecting bramble stem.
I was able to approach within seven or eight yards; and when disturbed by my attempts at a still nearer inspection the bird only circled once or twice round the whins and settled again, and always so as to afford excellent opportunities of examination. In this way I had it under view for ten or fifteen minutes, and from its tameness it seemed as if I might have continued my notice as long as I had liked. I had consequently the fullest means, short of actual handling, of satisfying myself of its identity, and I had no hesitation whatever about it; only I could not of course decide whether it were a female or a young bird of the year; I believe the latter.
My companion, who at once pronounced it a bird he had never seen before, took down Morris's Birds on returning home, and was fully satisfied, on comparing the plate and the description accompanying it, that the stranger really was the Ortolan.
Its flight resembled that of the common Linnet rather more than of the Greenfinch, Black-headed Bunting [Reed Bunting], or Yellowhammer, and its note was one metallic 'chirp' - a sound graduating between the call-notes of the Greenfinch and the Yellowhammer.'
Comment No identification details of this sight record of a difficult species then. Not acceptable.
0). 1863 North-east Scotland Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, pair, caught, late November.
(Gray, 1871; Yarrell, 1871-85; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 4: 330; Seebohm, 1883-85; H. M. Drummond Hay, Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies 1886: 32; H. M. Drummond Hay, Scottish Naturalist 8: 362).
[Sim, 1903; Forrester & Andrews et al., 2007].
History Gray (1871: 132-133) says: 'This would probably have remained the only Scottish example of the Ortolan [1832 Caithness], but for the indefatigable diligence of my correspondent, Mr. Angus, who was the means of discovering another two in Aberdeenshire, which are now in his own collection. "In the last week of November, 1863", writes Mr. Angus, "I found a pair of Ortolan Buntings in a large quantity of larks exposed for sale in Castle Street, Aberdeen at the weekly market. These I secured for my collection, but the person who sold them to me knew nothing of the species. He offered me my choice of the lot for sixpence, and informed me that they had been captured on the previous day in a turnip field near the sea-side. The birds varied in size, the male being the larger of the two, weighing seven drachms and three quarters, while the female weighed but six drachms and a half. The irides were brown. The bird-catcher stated that they had commenced eating immediately after being caught, and that during their day's confinement they fed constantly.'
Admitted nationally by Newton (1876-82 (2): 59, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds and (Seebohm 1884 (2): 153).
H. M. Drummond Hay (1877-78) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. IV. p. 330, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Of very doubtful occurrence. One was taken at Aberdeen in 1863, but was probably an escape.'
H. M. Drummond Hay (1886) in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists' Societies, p. 32, says: 'Mr. Angus obtained a pair of these birds in Aberdeen, captured in a turnip field near the sea side in the end of November, 1863.'
H. M. Drummond Hay (1885-86) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. VIII. p. 362, in the Report of the East of Scotland Union, admits this record.
Not accepted locally as the record was placed in square brackets (Sim 1903) or admitted nationally for Scotland (Forrester & Andrews et al. 2007).
0). Pre 1865 Lincolnshire Near Alford, pair, seen, 9th May.
(G. Jeans, Naturalist 1865: 260).
[KAN].
History G. Jeans (1865) in The Naturalist, Vol. I. p. 260, says: 'This morning, May 9th, I have been watching a pair of Ortolan Buntings, on the lawn, for half-an-hour. My boy wanted me to shoot one, and could I have killed both I might have done so, but I could only have killed one. They have evidently a nest in the neighbourhood.'
Comment Rev. G. Jeans lived in the parish of Bilsby, Lincolnshire, hence it was the county I selected, but it is not certain. He also mentioned living at Tetney. Lacks adequate details of locality and year. Probably misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). c. 1865 Cleveland/Yorkshire Near Guisborough, three, seen, spring.
(Nelson, 1907; Blick, 2009).
History Nelson (1907 (1): 206) says: 'The late Canon J. C. Atkinson of Danby recorded in The Zoologist (1863, p. 8768), having seen a bird of this species near Guisborough, in Cleveland, on 16th August 1863, and, writing to Mr. W. Eagle Clarke in 1880, he remarked, "I saw three specimens near Guisborough in the spring fourteen or fifteen years ago".'
Blick (2009) states that three were near Guisborough in about 1865 during spring.
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. No identification details of this sight record of a difficult species then. Not acceptable.
0). Pre 1866 Greater London Kilburn, three, caught, undated.
(Harting, 1866; Yarrell, 1871-85; Self, 2014).
[KAN].
History Harting (1866) says: 'Some years ago there was a birdcatcher in the vicinity of Kilburn to whom Mr. Bond used to pay occasional visits, on the chance of obtaining any rarities that had been caught in his nets. One morning he found him with three newly-caught Ortolans. The man having mistaken them for hen Yellowhammers, had wrung their necks, and, in so doing, had completely taken off the heads of two of them. The third is now in Mr. Bond's collection.'
Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 58-59, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: '...three are said by Capt. Kenendy on Mr. Sharpe's authority to have been shot at Cookham, while as many are mentioned by Mr. Harting as Having been caught at Kilburn in Middlesex, of which one is in Mr. Bond's collection.'
Comment Lacks a precise date for a scientific record. Probable escapes from markets. Not acceptable.
0). 1866 Kent Cobham, seen, 10th April.
("C." Field 21st Apr., 1866: 323; Lord Clifton, Zoologist 1866: 270; Yarrell, 1871-85; Harrison, 1953).
[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984].
History "C." Of Cobham, Kent (1866) in The Field of 21st Apr., Vol. XXVII. p. 323, says: 'Could you inform me if the bird I describe is the Ortolan Bunting? I saw it on the 10th, sitting on one of the lower branches of an elder bush, near a large fish-pond. The head was green, his breast greenish yellow, and the back corresponded exactly with that of the Ortolan as depicted in Meyer's work. I observed it through a telescope, for it sat there for some minutes, and allowed me to approach. It was joined by another bird, apparently of the same species.'
[We have no doubt from the description that the bird was the Ortolan (Emberiza hortulana), a very great rarity in this country. - Ed.]
"C." (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 270, dated 2nd May 1866, says: 'On the 10th of April I saw here (Cobham, Kent) a bunting, which, in my opinion and in that of the Editor of The Field, was undoubtedly Emberiza hortulana. It was sitting on an elder bush near a large pond, and remained there for some minutes. I at once distinguished it by its green head.'
Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1984).
Comment "C." = Lord Clifton of Cobham Hall, Kent.
0). 1867 Greater London Hampstead, Middlesex, female, caught, undated.
(Self, 2014).
[KAN].
History W. E. Glegg (1930) in the London Naturalist, pp. 3-32, under 'The Birds of Middlesex Since 1866', says: 'Harting records three occurrences.'
Comment Harting's book was published in 1866 and Glegg listed a great number of journals and books that he had read through for the purpose of this paper. So one wonders after all this time where these fresh records are from as they are not referenced by Self. Not acceptable.
0). 1867 Isle of Wight No locality, obtained, undated.
(H. Rogers, Zoologist 1867: 912; Yarrell, 1871-85).
[Kelsall & Munn, 1905; Cohen & Taverner, 1972].
History Henry Rogers of Freshwater, Wight (1867) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 912, dated 17th August 1867, says: 'I have also obtained a specimen of that extremely rare bunting, the Ortolan.'
Not accepted locally (Kelsall & Munn 1905; Cohen & Taverner 1972).
0). 1868 Greater London Near Brent Reservoir, Middlesex, obtained, October.
(W. E. Glegg, London Naturalist 1930: 3-32; Self, 2014).
[KAN].
History W. E. Glegg (1930) in the London Naturalist, pp. 3-32, under 'The Birds of Middlesex Since 1866', says: 'Harting records three occurrences.'
Comment Harting's book was published in 1866 and Glegg listed a great number of journals and books that he had read through for the purpose of this paper. So one wonders after all this time where these fresh records are from as they are not referenced by Self. Not acceptable.
0). 1869 Gloucestershire Near Cheltenham, pair, killed, May.
(Mellersh, 1902).
[Swaine, 1982].
History Mellersh (1902) says: 'A pair killed which probably nested near Cheltenham in May 1869.' Not accepted locally (Swaine 1982).
0). 1870 Sussex Brighton, caught, 30th September.
(F. Bond, Zoologist 1870: 2383; Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1871: 775; Yarrell, 1871-85; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98].
History Frederick Bond (1870) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. V. p. 2383, says: 'I saw the following birds at Mr. Swaysland's very shortly after they were taken: - Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana). A fine male was captured, by the aid of bird-lime, by a young gentleman in the Dyke Road, near Brighton, on the 30th of September; it was excessively fat when skinned.'
Anon. (1871) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, p. 775, under 'Additions to the Menagerie', say ' May 20. Two Ortolan Buntings (Emberiza hortulana). Presented by Fred. Bond, Esq., F.Z.S.'
Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 159) who says: 'Now in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton, formerly in Borrer's collection.'
Comment It is assumed that along with the May 1871 record that this is part of the presentation. Swaysland has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Not acceptable.
0). 1871 Sussex Brighton, caught, early May.
(J. H. Gurney, Zoologist 1871: 2682; Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1871: 775; Yarrell, 1871-85; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98].
History J. H. Gurney (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2682, says 'About the same time one was got at Brighton.'
Anon. (1871) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, p. 775, under 'Additions to the Menagerie', say: 'May 20. Two Ortolan Buntings (Emberiza hortulana). Presented by Fred. Bond, Esq., F.Z.S.'
Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 159).
Comment Rather a vague record. It is assumed that along with the September 1870 record that this is part of the presentation. Swaysland has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Not acceptable.
0). 1871 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, six, caught, 5th May.
(J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1871: 2682; J. H. Gurney, jun., Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 1: 62; Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1871: 775; Yarrell, 1871-85; Ticehurst, 1932).
[Gurney, 1884].
History J. H. Gurney, jun., of Norwich (1871) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. VI. p. 2682, says: 'On the 5th of May one of Mr. Davy's men caught six Ortolans at Yarmouth. He says they were wilder than Yellowhammers. Two of them were deposited by Mr. Bond in the Zoological Gardens, and two are in my possession. About the same time one was got at Brighton.'
J. H. Gurney, jun. (1872) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. I. pp. 61-62, says: 'Mr. Stevenson has given his reasons in the Birds of Norfolk, (Vol. I. p. 199) for excluding the Ortolan Bunting; ...More recently Mr. Davy, a bird-dealer in Camden Town, who generally has a catcher at Yarmouth, had sent him from that place six, two of which are alive in my brother’s possession, and are recorded in The Zoologist, p. 2682. They were taken on the 5th of May, 1871, and the name of the man who took them was Seale. They may have escaped from confinement, but I think it very probable that they were really wild birds.'
Gurney (1884: 16-17) placing the record in square brackets, says: 'In April, 1866, a somewhat dull coloured Ortolan was netted at Yarmouth, and in May, 1871, six more were netted there. It is not unlikely that the first was a wild bird, but the other six, if really captured as stated, had probably escaped.'
Arthur H. Patterson of Great Yarmouth (1900) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IV. p. 406, says: 'Six are said to have been caught here in May, 1871.'
Ticehurst (1932: 88) says: 'Probably obtained on the Norfolk side of the town.'
Comment Possibly imported. Not acceptable.
0). 1877 Sussex Near Brighton, obtained, February, now in Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 208110).
(Borrer, 1891; Walpole-Bond, 1938; James, 1996).
[Walpole-Bond, 1938].
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 159, 160) says: 'Winter, though, is such a remarkable time for the species to be in our Islands voluntarily, that I have little or no hesitation about relegating the specimen involved to the rank of an imported escape, especially as it relates to a year as long ago as 1877....One secured during February, 1877, near Brighton, was formerly in Borrer's collection, but is now at the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'
James (1996: 549) adds: '(BoMNH 208110).'
0). 1882 Yorkshire Bedale, male, obtained, 9th July.
(S. L. Mosley, Naturalist 1892: 3; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 248; Mather, 1986).
[KAN].
History S. L. Mosley (1892) in The Naturalist, Vol. XVIII. p. 3, says: 'On cataloguing the birds in my museum, I find I have a skin (male) of this species (Emberiza hortulana), ticketed 'Bedale, Yorks., July 9, 1882.' This was in a lot I bought from the executors of the late James Varley, of Almondbury Bank, Huddersfield.'
Accepted locally (Nelson 1907) and admitted nationally by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 248, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', who say: 'One labelled "Bedale, Yorks., 9th July, 1882", is in the collection of Mr. S. L. Mosley (B. Yorks., p. 206).'
Comment Outside the known migration period. Probable escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1889 Gloucestershire Stroud, seen, June.
(Mellersh, 1902).
[Swaine, 1982].
History Mellersh (1902) says: 'One seen at Stroud June 1889 by C. A. Witchell.' Not accepted locally (Swaine 1982).
0). 1897 Hampshire Mottisfont, adult male, obtained, 7th April.
(Cohen, 1963; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
[Clark, 2022].
History Cohen (1963) says: 'Kelsall & Munn (1900) made no mention of this species, but had overlooked a record by Meinertzhagen of an adult male he had obtained at Mottisfont on 7th April 1897.'
Accepted locally (Clark & Eyre 1993), however, Clark (2022) finds the record unacceptable.
Comment Mottisfont Abbey was where Richard Meinertzhagen lived for a time.
0). 1906 Sussex Rottingdean, caught, 5th September.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[KAN].
History Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 160-161) who says: 'Mr. J. B. Nichols writes to me of one in his wonderful collection that was netted at Rottingdean on 5th September 1906.'
Comment Probable Hastings rarity. It has all the hallmarks! Not acceptable.
0). 1907 Denbighshire/Meirionnydd/Montgomeryshire Berwyn Mountains, Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, 20th May.
(Forrest, 1907; Welsh Ornithological Society, Welsh Records Panel 9th Report 2005: 29; Holt & Williams, 2009).
[H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 248].
History Forrest (1907: 167) says: 'Mr. Douglas H. Meares sends me an account of a Bunting which he saw, and watched for some time on the Berwyn mountains, near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, 20th May, 1907. As a practical field ornithologist he recognised that it was some species of bunting that was strange to him. He sent me a description of it at the time, and subsequently visited South Kensington Museum, where he identified it as an Ortolan. His description entirely agrees with the diagnosis, so that there is little doubt as to identity. The bird was feeding amongst moor-grass at an elevation of about 1800 feet.'
H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 248, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899', place this record in square brackets.
R. M. Lockley (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. p. 79, says: '...As far as I am aware, the only other records for Wales are that of five seen and one obtained on Bardsey Island by Dr. N. F. Ticehurst, September 2nd to 11th, 1913 (antea, Vol. XIII. p. 67), and one seen by C. S. Meares (not D. H. Meares, as stated) on the Berwyn Mountains, May 20th, 1907 (Forrest, Fauna of N. Wales, p. 167).'
0). 1911 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, female, obtained, 22nd March, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1924Z18.3719).
(Watson, 2010).
[KAN].
History Watson (2010) in detailing the R. W. Chase collection in the Birmingham Museum lists this specimen without any further information.
Comment Outside known migration period. Probable escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1912 Sussex Rottingdean, male, obtained, 24th September, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.192).
(Watson, 2010).
[KAN].
History Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen that was caught in Linnet nets with Nichols being alone when it came to the nets at Rottingdean, Sussex, on 24th September 1912, adding that it was bought from the sale of J. B. Nichol's collection.
Comment Probable Hastings rarity. It has all the hallmarks! Not acceptable.
0). 1915 Essex Bradfield, male, seen, winter.
(W. B. Nichols, Journal of the Suffolk Institute 16: 170).
[KAN].
History W. B. Nichols (1916) in the Journal of the Suffolk Institute, Vol. XVI. p. 170, says: 'Ortolan Bunting (E. hortulana). One male seen among a mixed flock of buntings and Linnets at Bradfield, in the winter of 1915.'
Comment Outside known migration period. No identification details of this sight record of a difficult species then. Not acceptable.
0). 1919 Sussex Near Brighton, obtained, 2nd October.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98].
History Accepted locally by Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 161) who says: 'One obtained on 2nd October 1919, near Brighton, was examined by me at Mr. W. Swayland's shop in Brighton on the 11th of that month.'
Comment Published 19 years later. Swaysland has been found to be involved in fraud (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Not acceptable.
0). 1922 Highland Near Portmahomack, Ross & Cromarty, immature female, obtained, 15th September.
(A. C. & R. Meinertzhagen, Scottish Naturalist 42: 165; Eds., British Birds 16: 255; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 43: 67; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).
[A. G. Knox, Ibis 135: 320-325].
History A. C. & R. Meinertzhagen (1922) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLII. p. 165, say: 'A young female Ortolan (Emberiza hortulana) was secured on 15th September 1922 by the shore near Portmahomack, Ross-shire.'
In an Editorial (1923) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 255, they say: 'Col. and Mrs. R. Meinertzhagen record (Scot. Nat., 1922, p. 165) that a young female Emberiza hortulana was obtained near Portmahomack on September 15th, 1922. The species has very rarely been recorded from the Scottish mainland.'
E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1923) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIII. p. 67, in the annual report, say: 'An Ortolan, shot near Portmahomack on 15th September, proved to be a young female, this being the first record for Moray area.'
Comment Meinertzhagen has been associated in many cases of fraud and therefore is not trustworthy with any record (A. G. Knox, Ibis 135: 320-325). Not acceptable.
0). 1935 Argyll Ben Cruachan, seen, 29th April.
(D. C. Anderson, Field 11th Jan., 1936: 80).
[H. B. Watt, Field 1st Feb., 1936: 240; T. G. Longstaff, Field 1st Feb., 1936: 240].
History D. C. Anderson of Pembroke College, Oxford (1936) in The Field of 11th Jan., Vol. CLXVII. p. 80, says: 'On April 29th, 1935, I observed a bird which believe was an Ortolan Bunting, on the summit of Ben Cruachan, in Argyll. As this species has very seldom been recorded in Scotland I thought it might be of interest if you could confirm the identity of the bird from the following rough description, which I made on the spot.
The shape and size of a typical bunting, such as the Yellowhammer. The head, throat, nape, breast and rump were a uniform blue grey colour. That portion of the back lying between the nape and the rump was brown, intermixed with darker markings. The wings and tail was similar to that of a Yellowhammer in shape, orange in colour, with a black tip.
This bird was perched on a large boulder at an altitude of 3,680ft. approximately. After a few minutes it flew over a corrie, with a jerky flight well seen in a Yellowhammer, and joined a small flock of some dozen similar birds.
In the Royal Scottish Museum at Edinburgh there is a specimen of an Ortolan Bunting, which resembles the bird I observed on Ben Cruachan.'
[This description does not exactly tally with the Ortolan. Has any reader an alternative suggestion? - Ed.]
H. Boyd Watt from London (1936) in The Field of 1st Feb., Vol. CLXVII. p. 240, says: 'Referring to the letter and the editorial enquiry in your issue of January 11th (p. 80), I suggest that the birds reported were Snow Buntings. Two or three birds of this species were seen by me at close quarters on Ben Cruachan (3, 689ft.) on June 30th, 1901, and recorded in the Annals of Scottish Natural History that year.'
Tom G. Longstaff of Ringwood (1936) in The Field of 1st Feb., Vol. CLXVII. p. 240, says: 'I suggest Lapland Bunting (I know it well in Greenland and have seen it on Lundy in winter). 3,680ft. is not likely, even as a temporary habitat, for Ortolans.'
Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.
0). 1948 Sussex Pett Level, seen, 2nd August.
(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 138).
[des Forges & Harber, 1963].
History N. F. Ticehurst (1949) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 138, says: 'One, Pett Level, Aug. 2nd (R.C.).'
Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963).
0). 1950 Yorkshire Shadwell, Leeds, 11th March.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 76: 57).
[KAN]
History R. Chislett (1950) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXVI. p. 57, says: 'A bunting with olive-green head, pale yellow chin, rufous underparts, and brown back uttered high pitched notes as it flew E.S.E. after being examined at 25 yards range through x8 binoculars at Shadwell, Leeds, on March 11th, 1950. The orbital ring was noticed but was not very pronounced. (J. R. Govett).'
Comment Outside known migration period. Probably an escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1953 Hertfordshire Chorleywood, adult male, 8th February.
(B. L. Sage, British Birds 47: 446-447; Sage, 1959; Gladwyn & Sage, 1986).
[KAN].
History B. L. Sage (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. pp. 446-447, says: 'I received from Mrs. K. M. Disney details of a bird seen at Chorley Wood, Hertfordshire, on February 8th, 1953, which from her description appears to have been an adult male Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana).
The bird was seen perched in a hawthorn at a height of about twenty feet. It was about the size of a Yellowhammer (E. citrinella), but rather plumper, and ruffled about the head. The back was brownish, head yellowish-green with a faint but noticeable moustachial stripe, throat paler than head, under-parts appeared salmon-pink and were described as "glowing", the tail feathers seen from below were pale, bill pinkish-brown, legs not seen. The whole plumage was much flatter in effect than that of the Yellowhammer.
When disturbed the bird flew off with a straight but slightly dipping flight. Mrs. Disney states that she went indoors immediately and turned up the plate of buntings heads in The Handbook, instantly picking out that of the Ortolan Bunting as being identical with the bird she had just seen.
This constitutes the first recorded occurrence of this species in Hertfordshire.'
[We have examined in the original the very full account of her observation that Mrs. Disney sent to Mr. Sage and are quite satisfied with the identification, although the date is remarkably early, this bird being apparently the first recorded in Britain in February. - Eds.]
Sage (1959) says: 'An adult male was seen at Chorleywood by Mrs. K. M. Disney on 8th February 1953. Not only is this the sole record for Hertfordshire, but it appears to be the first February record for the British Isles.'
Comment Outside known migration period. Probably an escape. Not acceptable.
0). 1955 Essex Tollesbury, ten: four males, three females, three immatures, 1st October.
(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1955: 41).
[Wood, 2007].
History G. A. Pyman (1955) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 41, says: 'Tollesbury: of a flock of 10 or more buntings located in a hedge near the site of the old pierhead by DRC and SRC on October 1st, seven were identified as Ortolans (4 males and 3 females) and the remainder were probably first-year birds of this species. In the case of males, greenish-grey head and breast, yellow chin, yellow streak under eye to ear, yellow orbital ring, orange-buff belly, brownish streaked upperparts, white outer tail feathers and pinkish-red bill were all described. The females were paler than the males and streaked on the breast.
The three or more birds comprising the remainder of the party resembled Corn Buntings, save for size, and were considered to have been first-year Ortolans.
This record is particularly interesting one inasmuch as the species had been recorded in Essex only once previously, and Ortolan flocks of this size are exceptional in the British Isles.'
Not accepted locally (Wood 2007).
0). 1955 Dorset Portland Bill, 27th October.
(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 77: 77).
[K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 77: 77; A. J. Bull et al., Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 78: 47].
History K. B. Rooke (1955) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVII. p. 77, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'Probably one near Coastguard Cottages, Portland Bill, Oct. 27th (A.T.). - details in Observatory records. It was impossible to be certain of the identification, in the brief and incomplete view obtained.'
A. J. Bull (1956) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVIII. p. 47, says: '...NB. The square bracketed record in the 1955 report should be disregarded.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
